New York CNN —Subway has sold itself to private equity firm Roark Capital, ending a six-month long search for a buyer. “This transaction reflects Subway’s long-term growth potential, and the substantial value of our brand and our franchisees around the world,” Subway CEO John Chidsey said in a statement. However, the Wall Street Journal reported the purchase price was “around $9.6 billion,” which would be slightly below the chain’s $10 billion asking price. Despite the sales turnaround, the number of US Subway stores declined to 20,576 last year according to Technomic. Another issue for Roark: Yearly sales at Subway US restaurants are still much lower compared to its sandwich-making rivals.

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